Leftwich, who may start Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, was let go Saturday in a procedural move so Steve McLendon could be activated for the Tennessee game. McLendon had a fumble recovery during the Steelers' 19-11 victory, but was released Monday so Leftwich could return.

Leftwich was expected to start throughout quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's four-game suspension, only to his sprain his left knee in the Steelers' final preseason game Sept. 2. He hasn't played since.